Red Eye & Eye Emergencies in The Villages, FL

Call right away or go to the ER

Sudden flashes of light, a shower of new floaters, a curtain over your vision, sudden vision loss or a chemical in the eye: call (352) 399-5412 right away, or go to the nearest emergency room.

What we can see in the office

Dr. Russell sees many common urgent eye problems. Examples include:

• Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
• Red, itchy or painful eyes
• Something in the eye, like a speck or an eyelash
• Sudden floaters or a sudden drop in vision, which are urgent, so call us right away

Call (352) 399-5412 first. We cannot promise same-day availability, but we will help you find the right place for care.

Because many eye problems look alike, an exam is the safest way to sort them out. Red eyes, for example, can come from pink eye, allergies, dryness or something more serious. Dr. Russell examines the eye under magnification, then explains what he found. After that, he tells you what to do next, whether that means treatment here or a visit with another doctor.

What to do while you wait

Do not rub your eye. Take out your contact lenses and wear your glasses instead. Wash your hands often, as pink eye can spread, and avoid sharing towels. Do not put in leftover drops from an old bottle.

Bring your glasses, your contact lens case and the bottle of any drops you have used. If a chemical splashed in your eye, rinse it with clean water for several minutes while you call, and tell us exactly what it was. Bring a family member if you can, because your vision may be blurry.

Have this ready when you call

A few details help us decide what to do next. Think about when the problem began and whether it affects one eye or both. Note whether you wear contact lenses, and whether your vision has changed. Then tell us about any drops or medicines you use.

Calling first saves you a trip, because we can tell you whether to come in, wait for an appointment or go to the emergency room. For Red Eye & Eye Emergencies in The Villages, that first call is the fastest way to get the right care.

Pink eye in plain words

The CDC says viral and bacterial pink eye can spread to other people, while allergic pink eye does not. Because the causes look alike, an exam is the way to tell them apart. First, Dr. Russell looks at your eye under magnification. Then he explains what he sees and what to do next.

Medical visits and insurance

Medical eye visits are billed to your medical plan, which can be different from a vision plan. We accept Medicare, Florida Blue, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Cigna, Humana and other plans, and CareCredit. Coverage varies, so call us with your plan name and we will explain what to expect. Our hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. After hours, go to the nearest emergency room.

Bring your insurance cards, your glasses and a list of your medicines.

Not sure which plan applies? Call us before you come in. Our team can check your benefits, and you will know what to expect when you arrive at 2478 Burnsed Blvd in Pinellas Plaza.

Good to know

This page is general information, not medical advice. Please talk with your eye doctor about your own eyes.

Sources: NEI (nei.nih.gov), MedlinePlus (medlineplus.gov/pinkeye.html), CDC (cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/causes/).

Book Red Eye & Eye Emergencies in The Villages

To book red eye & eye emergencies in The Villages, call (352) 399-5412 or use any Request an Appointment button. We are in Pinellas Plaza at 2478 Burnsed Blvd, an easy golf-cart ride from most of the south Villages.

Common questions

Is pink eye an emergency?

Often not, but red, painful eyes or changes in vision need attention. Call us first and we will tell you what to do.

Should I wear my contacts if my eye is red?

No. Take them out and wear glasses until you have been seen.

Who do I call for Red Eye & Eye Emergencies in The Villages?

Call (352) 399-5412 during office hours. After hours, or for a chemical in the eye, go to the nearest emergency room.